TobaccoThis section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 6/11 The use of tobacco is the most preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year, tobacco use is responsible for more than 440,000 deaths, including almost 50,000 caused by secondhand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, 21% of adults, 20% of high school students, and 5% of middle school students were smokers in 2009. Smoking accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths, making smoking cessation (quitting smoking) the single most important thing a person can do to lower his or her individual cancer risk. In addition to cigarettes, other forms of tobacco use include cigar/pipe smoking and smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco and snuff. Smokeless tobacco is not a safe substitute for smoking because it can also cause various cancers. Tobacco use is associated with increased risk for at least 15 types of cancer, including:
Here is some more information on tobacco use and quitting smoking: Tobacco and Cancer Tobacco Use During Cancer Treatment Health Risks of Water Pipes, Smokeless Tobacco, and E-cigarettes Give Your Kids a Smoke-Free Childhood History of Smoking Significantly Reduces Survival for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Study Finds That Patients Who Quit Smoking During Lung Cancer Treatment Live Longer Quitting Smoking Cancer.Net Podcast: Tobacco Use ASCO Expert Corner: Questions and Myths About Quitting Smoking Resources to Help You Quit Smoking Tobacco Regulation President Obama Signs FDA Tobacco Bill into Law Statement of ASCO President on Signing of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act Last Updated: June 09, 2011 |